Material-handling bridge



Apr. 3, 1923. 1,450,735

R. E. SHEAL MATERIAL HANDLING BRIDGE Filed Dad. 5, 1921 s sheets-sheet -1 Fig.1. I

ATTORNEY.

5 sheets-sheet 2 Apr. 3, 1923.

R. E. SHEAL MATERIAL HANDLING BRIDGE Filed Dec.

Fig; 2

Apr. 3, 1923.

R. E. SHEAL MATERIAL HANDLING BRIDGE 5 sheets-sheet 5 INVENTOR. Robert [.Shecfl ATTORNEY.

Patented Apr. 3, 1923..

UNHTED i STATES PATENT GFFHQE.

ROBERT E. SHEAL, O1? CLEVELAND, OHIO.

MATERIAL-HANDLING BRIDGE.

Application filed December 3, 1921. Serial no. 519,725.

This invention relates to hoisting and con veying machinery of the traveling crane type and has to do with means for anchoring the traveling structure when in a stationary po sition. An example of such a structure is a material-handling bridge, such for example as that described in my application for Letters Patent filed November 12, 1921, Serial No. 514,583, in which is set forth a traveling structure adapted to be propelled along its tracks by means of a toothed device suitably secured to the traveling structure and cooperating with a rack located parallel to the tracks, or runway on which said structure travels, although it will be understood that the device may be applied to any structure of this nature designed to move along a fixed path. M j 7 A traveling structure of this nature may be of great size and considerable weight and consequently have such momentum that if it once becomes started by wind pressure on its immense superstructure or from any. other cause, it is likely to disregard all anchoring provisions, even when moving at low speed. My invention is not designed to stop the movement of the structure when in motion but has for its object the provision of means whereby the structure may be secured againstbecoming accidentallyset in motion; secondary objects of the invention are the provision of simple and substantial devices carried by the structure and adapted to engage some part of therunway insecuring relation; the provision of means whereby the said devices may be readily'lowere'dfintoj or raisedfrom cooperative-relation with said runway and'means whereby such devices may be moved longitudinally of the runway so as to register with shouldered portions of said runway in bracing relation; while furv ther objects and advantages ofthe invention will become apparent as the description pro-' i of links 31 whose lower ends in "turn are ceeds. i I I,

Specific means by which the above objects may be accomplished will be set forth in detail in the accompanying drawings; it being understood that the forms here shown are intended to be merely illustrative and in no way limiting my invention to any of the specific structures here shown, except as recited in the appended claims.

In the "drawings; Fig. 1 illustrates a traveling bridge having oneform of my invention attached at one end of its base; Fig. 2 is an enlarged detail viewof a portionofthe' same device showing the anchoring spud attached'to the base of the bridge and in position to anchor the bridge on the track; Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2 and at right angles thereto; Fig. 4 is a detail sectional view taken on line 4-4 of Fig. 3, and showing details of one ofthe toggle operating means; Fig. 5 illustrates another form of anchoring device; and Fig. 6 illustrates a modification of said last form.

-Referring to the drawings in detail by'reference characters, 1 designates a foundation, and 2 a supporting track for the wheels 3, 3 of trucks 4, 4. Carried by these trucks is a base member orsill 5 from'which rises the tower 6 or" the bridge; located between the tracks 2, is a rack comprising side bars 8, and

cross pins 9 connecting the bars 8 at inter vals and with which a pinion 7 onthe bridge coacts in propelling the bridge along its tracks. 1

Each anchoring device comprises an an chor member orspud suitably secured to the end of the base member or sill 5 and adapted to engage the rack or other suitable part oi:

of arms 23 pivotally attached by one end to the sill as at 24 and by the other end to the ends'25 of a trunnion 26 passing through holes in the side members 12, although any mode which allows vertical and pivotal movement can be employed."

Secured to the sill approximatelyabove the trunnion'26 are brackets'28 to which are pivoted the upper ends of linksBO whose lower ends are pivoted to the upper ends justing the same than those shown in theopposite ends of the bracket.

at each side of the spud. The middle joint of each toggle comprises a pivot member 33 pierced by a transverse threaded hole receiving the screw 34. One end of this screw is journaled in a bracket 35 which in turn is pivoted to the sill 5 upon a horizontal axis which coincides with the shaft 36. Each screw 34:.yis provided with a bevel gear 37 meshing with a companion gear on the shaft 86, and this shaft is provided at one end with a sprocket 88.

Surrounding the upper end of the spud is a. horizontal rigid bracket 40 which carries the slidable carriage 41. in which is journaled the cross bar 4-2.. This cross bar is pierced and threaded for the screw 43, which is journaled in bearings 44, 4st at The inner end of this screw is provided with a bevel g ar meshing with a companion gear 46 carried by the shaft 47, whose end is provided with the sprocket wheel 48. T he upper end of the spud is slotted as shown at 50, 50 to permit the passage of the cross bar l3 therethrough. Accordingly the spud is merely swung sideways by this cross bar which has no supporting relation therewith; and the spud is raised and lowered by tire toggle joint, which has no directive relation therewith.

Journaled to the sill at any convenient point are two sleeves 52, 53, the former within the latter. The inner sleeve 32 carries at its outer end the hand wheel 5% and at its inner end the sprocket wheel which is connected bya chain- 56 with the sprocket wheel 48. The outer sleeve 53 carries at its outer end the hand wheel 57 and at its inner end the sprocket wheel 58 connected by a chain 59 with the sprocket wheel 38.

Rotation of the large hand wheel therefore serves to buckle or straighten the toggle joint thus raising or lowering the spud, and rotation of the smaller han d v reel swings the spud so that its teeth may regis ter properly with the rack or with the ties of the supporting track. The dotted lines show the spud in an ele 'ated and shifted position. It will be understood that the structure must be brought to rest before this device is brought into use and that the purpose of moving the spud laterally is only to cause its teeth to register with the cross pins of rack or ties. The toggle joint not only provides a device of great mechan cal advantage for raising and lowering the spuds (one of which not infrequently weighs several tons) but also when straightened' constitutes a lock to hold the anchor in engaging position. It will be understood, however, that other means may-be employed forraising and lowering the spud, and addrawings.

Under-certain circumstances the form of anchoring device shown in Fig. 5 may be found desirable .on account of its simplicity of construction and operation. This form of anchoring device comprises a spud shank having a head 66 on its lower end and having one or more teeth 67 on its lower surface adapted to cooperate with the rack pins, ties, or other cross members carried by the foundation. The spud is supported at the end of the sill by means of a pivot 68 carried by the cross head 69 slidable in the bracket '70 and moved by the screw 71. A counterweight 72 is secured to the upper end of the spud shank G5 to assist in raising the spud in disconnecting the same from the track. A. chain 73 may be provided by which the shank 65 may be raised and lowered and held in elevated position. this chain or cable being manipulated by suitz'thle means such as a Windlass, (not shown). The screw is shown as provided with a capstan head 74 adapted to receive iron bars in order to turn the same, although other means may be employed. An advantage of this form of spud. aside from its simplicity of construction. is that the force tending to move the tower is exerted longitudinally, thereby decreasing the strain and allowing a lighter construction. A disadvantage is that it must be used in pairs since it will stop movement only in one direction. while the first described device will work both ways and generally need not be duplicated. Another advantage of the second form is that the lateral. spread of the device may sometimes limit the travel of the bridge. l ith the construction shown in Figs. 1 to .4- the travel of the bridge is not limited and the spuds form bumpers, pads 11 being shown to receive the impact.

lVhen used in pairs the spuds may be connected for simultaneous operation: also the handwheel or capstan head method here shown is only illustrative and any manual or power operated mechanism can be eniployed, controlled and operated either close at hand or from a distance; and while I have described these illustrative embodiments in detail I do not limit myself to any of such details except as recited in my an-.

neXed claims which I desire to have con strued' broadly.

Having thus described my invention what I claim is:

1. In combination, a material bridge mow able along fixed tracks or runways, a racln means on the structure cooperating with the rack for propelling the same along the tracks, an anchor secured to the structure and adapted .to be brought into cooperating relation with said rack to hold the structure stationary on the track, and means for movingsaid anchoralong the bridge parallel to the rack to cause it to engage tightly the teeth of the'same.

.2. In combination, a traveling structure adapted to move along fixed tracks or runways, a rack slidably mounted along said track or runway, and means onthe structure cooperating with said rack for propelling the structure along said tracks or runways, an anchor carried by said structure and having teeth thereon adapted to be brought into cooperative relation with said rack to hold the structure in stationary position on its tracks, means for raising and lowering said anchor, and means for moving said anchor longitudinally a suiiicient amount to cause its teeth to, register with the rack teeth.

' 3. In combination, a traveling bridge, supportingand propelling means therefor comprising a longitudinal track or runway and spaced transverse members ad acent to said track or runway,.a spud carried by said bridge and formed at its lower end to cooperate with said transverse members, means whereby said spud can be raised and lowered 'and'means whereby its lower end can be moved along the track into engaging rela tion with such members 4. In combinatioin'a traveling bridge, a

fixed track or runway therefor, cross members having a fixed position relatively to said track or runway, and an anchoring device carried by said bridge and adapted to engage said cross members, said device comprising a spud having one or'more teeth at its lower endadapted to engage said cross.

movably attached to said bridge, and a tog gle for lowering said spud into and raising it out Of cooperative relation with said me m bers..- I

6. In a traveling bridge, a track or runway, cross members rigid relatively to the track, a spud carried by said bridge and havingoneend formed to engage saidcross members, means for raising and lowering said spud, and means independent of said raising and loweringmeans for moving the engaging end of said spud longitudinally of said track to bring the same into engaging relation to said cross members.

7. In combination, a traveling bridge, a

support. therefor including tracks, and,

means for anchoring the bridge in stationary position comprising a spud, a portion of which is adapted to engage said support to hold the bridge stationary on its tracks, a horizontally movable carriage, a screw for ope'ratingthe toggle to raise and lower the spud, said spud havinga vertical sliding engagement with said carriage.

8. In a travelingbridge, in combination,

a supporting structure'comprising a track,

and spaced cross members" fixed relatively thereto, a spud having a portion adapt having spaced transverse abutments, anda structure movable therealong, of anchormg member pivotally connected I to --said said member longitudinally of said runway.

so as to bring it into registering relation with said abutments. p v

10. In a device of the character described,

sition, the lower end ofsaid member being shaped to fit between adjacent abutments, means for raising and lowering said member, and means tor-moving the lower end of said member longitudinally of said runway to bring it into register with the spaces between adjacent abutments.

11. The combination; with a runway of a rack'supported parallelthereto, a [movable structure onsaid runway and movable par allel to said rack, an anchoringdevice carried by said structure and adapted to engage said rack, and means foradjusting said anchoring device'along said structure to cause it to register with saidrackj I In testimony whereof, I hereunto aflix my signature.

ROBERT E; sHEAL, 

